
IN THE KNOW:
W̱JOȽEȽP’ announces Adam Olsen as treaty negotiator
Former North Saanich and the Islands Green Party MLA Adam Olsen has been named the new Lead Negotiator for W̱JOȽEȽP’ (Tsartlip) First Nation.
In his role he will work with federal, provincial, regional and local governments, BC Ferries and other organizations to advance the Nation’s interests and rights.
In a media release, Olsen says “It’s important that we take the initiative, as other communities have, to ensure that we take care of our people and W̱JOȽEȽP’ and W̱SÁNEĆ traditional territory. I look forward to having conversations with my relatives here about what we hope and dream to achieve.”
W̱JOȽEȽP’ says that provincial and federal policies on land, resources, governance and rights haven’t necessarily proved beneficial for First Nations communities but rather have negatively impacted their quality of life.
“These governance structures have fractured our communities and do not serve our people, our relatives or our territory,” said Olsen. “For me, in this role, success is finding ways to create systems that benefit our community’s needs and interests. We must raise our voices to make change so that we may fulfill our inherent rights as Indigenous people in this province.”
Accent Inns is Tourism Employer of the Year
Victoria Chamber names its 2025 Member of the Year
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has announced that Josue Dubon is the 2025 Chamber Member of the Year.
The award recognizes an individual who has served as a volunteer at The Chamber, has taken an active role with the board or committees, fosters relationships with the community and advocates on behalf of business.
Originally from Winnipeg, Dubon moved to Greater Victoria in 2019 and is a Partner and Wealth Mentor at DesignWealth.
In 2023, Dubon took on the role of Chair of The Chamber’s new Emerge committee. This year, he joined The Chamber’s Board of Directors, and serves on the Finance and Audit committee, as well as Emerge and Ambassador committees. Starting Jan. 1, he will add Board Secretary to his roles and become Chair of the Ambassador committee.
“Witnessing how different voices and perspectives come together to create positive change has been deeply inspiring and a constant reminder of the strength found in unity,” Dubon said. “What I didn’t foresee, when I first became involved in order to add my voice as an advocate of business, was how much this organization would give back to me — through meaningful connections, invaluable lessons, and opportunities to grow alongside a community deeply committed to fostering innovation and collaboration.”
Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said Dubon understands the values reflected by business in Greater Victoria. “We are a compassionate community, and we believe that creating a healthy climate for business improve the quality of life for everyone who lives in our region,” he said.
Greens sign agreement with NDP on specific issues
The Green and NDP parties of B.C. have come to an agreement to advance several key priorities where they find mutual common ground. Premier David Eby named these as “strengthening health care, building affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong sustainable economy.
“We are two distinct parties with two distinct identities, and we won’t always agree. We also have many shared values. The agreement lays out specific areas of action we will work together to achieve.
“This agreement will strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people.”
Island Economic Coastal Trust appoints new board members
Rob Douglas, Mayor, North Cowichan, and Vanessa Craig, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo have been appointed by Island Coastal Economic Trust to the board of directors. appointed to the board by the members of the Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee.
Both the North Island-Sunshine Coast and Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committees play a central role in the Trust’s governance ensuring that its work reflects the needs and priorities of local communities. These committees provide key insights into regional challenges and opportunities, appointing four members each to the board to ensure balanced and inclusive decision-making.
Small Business BC declares bankruptcy
CBC announced last week that well known nonprofit business support organization Small Business BC was placed under bankruptcy on December 5, with MNP Ltd. appointed its trustee.
SBBC has been providing entrepreneurs at various skill levels guidance and resources to help build their businesses since the early 2000s, serving over 880,000 clients. But, says CBC, “financial statements from previous years reveal the organization’s operating cost had grown substantially in recent years with the organization reporting a deficit of $37,608 for 2023, compared to a surplus of $496,118 in 2022.”
FROM THE PAGES OF DOUGLAS:
Planning your company retreat for 2025? Here’s our handy checklist.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
JANUARY
January 9: Business Mixer – Destination Greater Victoria & Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
January 26 – 29: IMPACT Sustainability Travel & Tourism Summit
January 28: Westshore Chamber of Commerce Coffee Talk: Great Start Canada Immigration and Recruitment
MARCH
March 4 – 6: Rising Economy conference
MAY
May 4 – 9: International Seaweed Symposium
JUNE
June 4: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Business Awards